Wilson Gunn 1808 : Short Biography

Wilson Townsend Gun Esq. DL (1808-1893) of Rattoo House is descended from Reverend William Gun, of Limerick and were established in north Kerry, during the reign of Charles I. 

He owned 11,000 acres in Co. Kerry in the mid-19th-century and was one of the principal landlords in the parishes of Killury and Rattoo, sub-letting to the following gentlemen:

• over 250 acres in Rattoo to George Cashel, of Shallee, Silvermines, Co. Tipperary.
• Bushmount House, Knockercreeveen to Dominick Rice of Ballymaquin.
• Lisnagonee aka Rattoo West, Lisnagoneeny to Thomas O'Connell.

Obituary:

DEATH OP WILSON GUN. ESQ., DL

It is our duty this evening to announce the death. on Sunday last, at his residence, Rattoo, Causeway, of Wilson Gun, Esq., D.L., after having attained the venerable age of 85 years. The deceased gentleman owned considerable estates in North Kerry, as well as house property in Tralee, and was always regarded as a kind and indulgent landlord. Even in the years have just passed through, his name was not to be heard in the mouths of the political agitators. During his long life, he resided among his tenantry and never could be called absentee. He served as High Sheriff of the County, and for more than a quarter of a century was a prominent factor in the administration of the Grand Jury laws in the county. was seldom absent from the Grand Juries, and well represented his district in fiscal matters. He had two sons, both of whom predeceased him but he leaves a grandson, who, it is presumed, will inherit the family estates. The funeral will take place at Rattoo tomorrow (Thursday) 12 o’clock.

[Kerry Evening Post 3 May 1893]

image: Rattoo House via www.michaelhdaniels.com